If you’ve ever been in an ambulance or emergency room, you’ve probably wondered what an EKG test is. Usually, it’s performed by a heart specialist, but other healthcare providers can perform this test as well. If you’re dehydrated or experiencing other symptoms, electrolyte imbalances may be the cause of your abnormal EKG. Your doctor can help you restore electrolytes and correct the problem.
Electrolytes are substances in the body that conduct electricity. Your heart needs these to properly function. When you’re not getting enough electrolytes, your heart may experience abnormal heartbeats, called arrhythmia. An EKG can detect these abnormalities and tell your doctor if you have an abnormal heart rhythm. It can also tell whether you’re getting enough oxygen to your heart. The more frequent and more serious your heart rhythm is, the more likely you’ll need to seek medical attention.
While an EKG may be invasive, it’s still relatively painless and is not harmful for most patients. The electrodes are inserted in the chest and don’t produce any unpleasant sensations or electrical shocks. While they’re attached to an EKG machine, you’ll feel some swelling and redness around the insertion site. A doctor will then explain to you the results of the test and discuss the best course of action for your condition.
Electrocardiograms can be performed at a doctor’s office or in a hospital. During the procedure, you’ll lie down on a bed or exam table while your health care provider attaches 12 to 15 electrodes. The electrodes don’t generate electricity but conduct electrical activity in the heart. The results are then displayed on a graph. If you’re suffering from any heart condition, your doctor may refer you to a cardiologist for further treatment.
The electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors the electrical activity in the heart’s chambers. The ECG measures the strength of these waves and their time interval. It also measures how much electrical activity passes through the heart and whether or not it is abnormal. When an abnormal EKG shows signs of heart damage, it will alert the physician to further investigate your condition. In some cases, the results will help identify other issues, like coronary artery disease, which are causing your symptoms.
Electrocardiograms can be fast and painless. The procedure only takes ten minutes. A technician attaches small plastic patches to your chest and connects them to a machine that reads the electrical activity of the heart. The ECG machine records this information and prints out a printout. The results of this test are usually available within the same day. The doctor may recommend additional tests or procedures based on the results.
In addition to an ECG, your doctor may suggest a portable EKG known as a Holter monitor. This device records the electrical activity of your heart twenty-four hours a day. An EKG from this device may suggest the presence of an irregular heart rhythm, palpitations, or inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle. When your EKG shows no irregularities, your healthcare professional may recommend other tests, such as a nuclear stress test.
